West Virginia Fish Consumption Advisories

Welcome to the State of West
Virginia Webpage on Sportfish Consumption Advisories

The rationale behind the advisories-- Scientists in
West Virginia and across the nation have long suspected that fish contaminated
with certain chemicals may pose health risks to those who frequently consume
these fish. This concern has heightened as scientists learned more about the
levels of contamination in fish and toxicological characteristics of these
contaminants. The risk-based approach is consistent with national guidance and
with protocols adopted by many other states. The United States Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) encourages states to monitor contaminant levels in fish.
West Virginia's approach reflects the intent of US EPA's Guidance for Assessing
Chemical Contaminant Data for Use in Fish Advisories. Our activities are also consistent with
The Clean Water Action Plan: Restoring and Protecting America's Waters
released by President Clinton in February 1998. West Virginia's approach is to communicate information allowing anglers to make
informed decisions about eating wild-caught fish.